Moving Into Assisted Living
Moving Day: 6 Tips for Moving into Assisted Living
Depending upon the circumstances, moving into an assisted living home can be an exciting change for a senior. Seniors can spend their days enjoying the facility’s amenities and taking part in all sorts of activities, but before this, they must set up their new home. Unfortunately, moving seniors into a new home is never as easy as most think it’s going to be, but it can still be an enjoyable process.
Once you and your loved one decide on a move in date, it’s easy to let your guard down and assume everything is all set, but everything is only beginning! To make sure your move is peaceful and as easy as can be, follow these tips for moving into assisted living and curing those first-day jitters!
1. Make a list of furniture that will be needed
Speak to a staff member at the assisted living home and ask what furniture they recommend bringing. Here’s what the average facility suggests bringing:
- Chairs
- End Tables
- Couch/Sofa
- Night Stand
- Lamps
After creating this list, you and your loved one can go through the leftover furniture and choose to hold onto it, put it in a storage unit, hold a yard sale or even donate it!
2. Prioritize clothing and accessories
Understand the environment and the weather around the facility. It’s important not to bring too much clothing, for it’s easy for assisted living homes to become cluttered. If it’s an area with four seasons, pack for one at a time, and swap out clothes every few months. It is recommended that the senior always has ample amounts of casual, comfortable clothing, as well as pajamas, a jacket or coat, layering clothing (sweaters), and one or two formal outfits if they choose.
3. Develop a primary contact at the assisted living community
Following the decision to move your loved one into the facility, you’ll likely be put in contact with an individual who will help walk you through the process. If you are not assigned any one person, in particular, ask to be. This avoids any confusion and provides assurance throughout the moving process.
4. Move-in help from the staff
So, it’s move in day, and you and your loved one can’t carry a couch and tables into the assisted living home by yourself. Ask in advance if there will be staff available willing to help you with this task. This way you can prepare and grab a few extra sets of hands if it is your responsibility.
5. Make the environment feel like home
Once you have helped your loved one move into the assisted living facility, ensure that you help them establish comfort. Bring pictures in frames to hang on walls and put on tables, artwork to liven the place up, flowers and anything else that will help the senior feel more at home in their new home.
6. The move will not be over in one day
Despite the fact that you may believe that everything is set up, as in any moving situation, your loved one will find that there are other things he or she will need. Try to make yourself available to talk, take them shopping, and continue helping to make them feel at home.
Moving into an assisted living facility may not be an easy task, but it can still be an exciting new adventure for your loved one as long as you stay positive and helpful throughout the process!
